Local News

KINGSTON TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Changes to nearly a dozen intersections along Route 309 in the Back Mountain have left drivers in the area concerned for safety.

The 2.2 million dollar project known as the Route 309 safety improvement project, has been underway for several months now, but it was delayed after utility pole relocations, some electrical issues, and last minute re-designs.

Mayor Cognetti releases Scranton budget proposal

Local officials say the amount of traffic has only been growing in recent years-- and it's time for a change.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— When it comes to money matters, the Electric City hasn't always seen a budget overflowing with good news.

But tonight's unveiling of next year's budget by Mayor Paige Cognetti (D) at the city council meeting had some bright spots in the ledger sheet.

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti's budget proposal included investments into the city's safety, health care and beautification.

It also means good news for taxpayers.

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti (D) sat before city council Thursday evening with a new plan.

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU)— The AP has predicted that Pennsylvania will go to political newcomer Republican Dave McCormick, but with margins razor thin and votes left to count Democrat Bob Casey has not conceded the race.

The AP has predicted that the state of Pennsylvania will flip one seat bringing the Republican total to 53 seats.

With the race still not officially called and 99% of the vote in, the Casey campaign released a statement saying:

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU)— Multiple counties across Northeastern Pennsylvania are under a Red Flag Warning, which means warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.  

The National Weather Service has issued the warning from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday for Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, Snyder, southern Wayne and Union counties. For a list of counties visit our Weather Alerts page.

DCNR sets burn ban across Pennsylvania

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — As the dust settles after election day, you might be wondering what to do with those political yard signs.

With election day behind us, political signs around town may seem like leftover reminders of a busy season but what should you do with them now?

According to PennDOT, as long as your signs are on private property, you can keep them up… But if they're placed near state highways or public spaces, PennDOT is responsible for keeping those areas clear

TUNKHANNOCK, WYOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — With the long stretch of dry weather we're experiencing across our state, officials are issuing a simple warning: Don't burn.

Wind and low humidity are the perfect conditions for wildfires. With very little rainfall and lots of wind, wildfires are a major cause for concern.

"If it's a pile of leaves burning, all it's gonna take is a little bit of a breeze and those flames are gonna spread very quickly," said Ralph Schwartz, Wyoming County Emergency Management Director.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Republican 

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — Several establishments in Pennsylvania have been charged after liquor control enforcement operations were performed within multiple counties.

The Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (LCE) released details on recently performed compliance checks.

LCE officers are responsible for enforcing liquor laws and related provisions within the region of the state licensed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

Counties included in the enforcement report are Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Pike.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — As the counting of votes continues in Pennsylvania there are renewed calls for reforms in the Election process in the Commonwealth.

Those concerns are focused on how votes are cast and counted as well as the processing of mail-in ballots.

One of the questions being asked is: "Should there be a standard process statewide?

Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo stated the following about the formation of the election legislation task force:

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — A Danville man has been convicted on drug charges related to a multi-year conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl and fentanyl analogs.

According to The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, 52-year-old Anthony Bressi from Danville was convicted on November 4 following a six-day jury trial.